Taking another bite of his sandwich, Da wiped his hands over his mouth and said through the food: ‘If Kousan’s got Micky, he’s a dead man. I told him to steer clear of the screaming Ab Dads but he wouldn’t listen. It’s the other four boys I’m worried about now. What’s gone on tonight?’

Briony pushed the old woman from her and shoved her into a chair. The tiny kitchen was silent as she began to talk.

‘Ronnie Olds is dead. So is Willy Bolger. Me and Tommy come out in the open tonight, and believe me when I say we ain’t having any more nonsense. This is our manor from tonight. There’s no room any more for wasters or ponces. Anyone wants to work the East End, they’ve got to come to us. One of my girls was cut up and I ain’t taking that lying down. No one touches me or mine and that goes for your precious fucking sons. It’s all over, finished with, but I have to know who the big man was, who Bolger was cultivating, because I won’t rest easy until I’ve cut the bastard. You understand me? I want him, and I’ll trade the rest of your boys for him.’

Da Campbell nodded, it was what he’d expected. Unlike his wife he had no personal feelings about anything. His boys were an extension of him and his own quest for survival; he was quite happy to sacrifice Micky for the good of the rest. Kousan had been one of his son’s biggest mistakes and without doubt his biggest enemy. He had a grudging respect for these two women because to get the Arabs working side by side with you was an achievement.

Da Campbell swallowed the last of his food. Standing up he went to the fireplace. He picked up his pipe and tapped it against the bricks.

‘I saw Bolger about a week since. He was with a gentleman, and I mean gentleman. I worked for him once-around the same time as your old man Briony, actually. Do you know, I remember you when you had the shit still running down your legs! Always had that flaming red hair though, even as a baby. Who’d have thought you’d have turned out like you did?’

Briony wasn’t listening now. She knew who he was talking about but until she heard him voice the name she wouldn’t rest.

‘Who was the man? Tell me his name.’